And the Thunder Rolls

When the colonists landed in the new world, they were eager for the opportunity at a new life. A whole world lied ahead and possibilities seemed endless. However, upon exploration, the colonists realized that although the land was new to them, it was not a new land at all for the Native Americans had long dressed the land. Though colonists sought to push the Indians aside, Chief Seattle warned them to deal justly with his people.

The tone of this piece is a great representation of the spirit and nature of the native tribes. Echoing like the thunder of an impending storm, Chief Seattle alludes to the fact that if the “white men” do not deal justly, a storm will come. References to the land and Earth being on the side of the “red man” helps to further give life and power to the warning of the Chief.

Prior to the oration, colonists were very much imperialists in the sense of extending their power and diplomacy on that of the Native Americans. However, though it may not be considered a formal nation, nationalism rings true in the veins of the “red men”. The land in which they dwell is more than just land, it is “the ashes of our ancestors and their resting place is hallowed ground.” With an emphasis on the sacredness of the land, we can presume that the Native American’s will go to great lengths to protect it now or in the next life for according to Chief Seattle, “there is no death.”

Chief Seattle’s use of rhetorical questions and logic also gives light to the poor treatment of the natives as is. Logical questioning is what is helps Chief Seattle emphasize that it is the “white man” that needs to find the peace in his soul.